Linda Carrick Thomas published her first book, "Polonium in the Playhouse," in May 2017. The book details Dayton, Ohio’s role in the Manhattan Project, which was directed by Thomas’ grandfather, industrial chemist Charles Allen Thomas. Linda Carrick Thomas grew up hearing many stories about her grandfather’s involvement in the project, and sought out facts to corroborate the family lore. She stepped down from her work in higher education communications at Purdue in 2014 to focus on her book. Thomas was previously a freelance journalist and writer. (December 2017)